Would you be willing to sit down to a chilled glass of Hunter wine in the name if science?

The University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute is calling for volunteers to taste-test a new style of wine as part of consumer behaviour research.

Researchers of the independent study can’t say which tipple volunteers will be trying, only that it is a popular variety with a fresh production process.

The research is part of a masters study being undertaken by Swiss psychology student Eveline Frey from ETH Zurich University, during her secondment to the Newcastle.

“People today have more focus on healthy foods but it’s not so apparent with wine and drinking alcohol in general,” Ms Frey says.

“We are looking for people who are interested in wine but not necessarily an expert.”

The tasting study takes 20 minutes, with 90 people required.

Upcoming sessions are February 9 at the ATC Building on Callaghan Campus and February 12 and 23 at the Newcastle campus at Hunter/Auckland Streets.

Survey questions will touch on wine-drinking habits but also examine taste observations and price perceptions for the new wine. Results will be analysed for a scientific research paper – the anonymous Hunter winemaker will also get feedback to assist from a marketing perspective.